Vineyard Ministry School is the second step in our journey of training. It is for those people who want to take a year out to focus their heart and passion for their next steps. VMS is great for those who are transitioning from one chapter in life to another and making the move from:

• School to study/working,
• Being a volunteer in a church to church staff/community trust staff,
• moving from one place to another around the country

Ministry Students give a year to explore theology and practice with some great people from different churches across Aotearoa and with the support of a supervisor and mentor in their own context.

Students study towards a Certificate in Christian Ministry (level 4) and spend 15 hours per week serving in their own ministry context as well as 15 hours of study per week at VMS either online or in person at Grace Vineyard Church in Christchurch. We also enjoy 3 – 5 day long block courses 4 times each year where we get together for lots of learning, fun, food and connection. We work in partnership with Laidlaw College and the programme is NZQA accredited and approved for student loans, allowances, and fees free.

• People who have completed Essentials and are ready to take time to explore their heart and passion for ministry.
• People who are stalled in their growth and development, or who are in transition from one chapter of life to another.
• People who want to learn what ministry is all about in the Vineyard context.
• In 2027 we will add a second year which is for those who are leading in their church setting and want to grow their heart and skills to do this.

We want to:

• Make a space to learn the theology and practice of ministry.
• Provide foundational theological training
• Develop fruitful relationships across the church
• Develop peer coaching networks
• Involve the whole Vineyard whanau in training and sending out leaders who can multiply leaders.